NEW YORK – After guiding the LSU Tigers to a 13-0 record and a BCS National Championship Game appearance, Les Miles has been named one of five finalists for the 2011 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award, the Football Writers Association of America announced on Monday evening.
The other finalists include: Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State), Brady Hoke (Michigan), Bill Snyder (Kansas State) and Dabo Swinney (Clemson).
The winner of the FWAA’s 55th annual coach of the year award will be announced on Dec. 15 after balloting by the entire FWAA membership. The FWAA and Fiesta Bowl will host a special reception on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in New Orleans to honor the winner and present him with the trophy.
Miles has led the Tigers to school records in wins (13), SEC victories (eight), wins over Top 25 ranked teams (eight), double-figure wins (12) and games with 40 or more points (nine).
Miles spearheaded LSU to the BCS National Championship Game, an 11th SEC Championship title and he helped the Tigers to their first perfect regular season since 1958. In now seven years, Miles has put together an impressive 75-18 record, including a 31-13 mark against ranked teams. LSU will finish the year with its fourth top-five ranking under his watch.
The FWAA has honored a major college coach with its coach of the Year award since 1957. Robinson, a coaching legend at Grambling State University, has been the FWAA’s coaching namesake for the past 15 years. The Fiesta Bowl joined with the FWAA a year later as the sponsor of the award.
Eddie Robinson Award Finalists:
Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State
Brady Hoke, Michigan
Les Miles, LSU
Bill Snyder, Kansas State
Dabo Swinney, Clemson